How to get accurate track research?

[TheR62Fan]

Hello all,

I just have a big question relating to researching about the track for a real-world route.

One problem with my NEC route that I came across, and what made me abandon it, was the fact that I have no idea how to make realistically corresponding track profile, such as gradients, speeds, and bumpiness.

Is there a website or something that can give me accurate track data, such as gradients, speeds, and other details, or does one just see what looks best and matches the closest to the SRTM data.

With gradients, I have an issue where I have no idea where a gradient begins based on the google maps overlay and SRTM data, or transitions from different grades, (like 0.1% - 0.5%).

Relating to speeds, I know about things like track speed maps. Is there a good website to research and implement.

And for bumpiness, it seems mostly a rough guess based on overall track maintenance and speed, correct?

After seeing things like minerman146's EL Bergen Main Line and PennCentral670's Hudson Line extension, I am inspired to create something of my own that would be the last missing link in the chain for Metro-North operations: the Harlem Line. But these are really the only hurdles I have to cross in order to begin laying track down.

[SAR704]

To be honest, I totally ignore the track unevenness value when exporting track, as I don't find it to enhance the realism with invisible bad points built in to the track. I have built my own custom track lofts, and they are not that difficult to get working, provided that you are familiar with the 3d modeling at least.

For the line in question, You would be best off looking for a curve and gradient chart. These can be sourced through state government records, or similar.

With TS20XX, there isn't really a straightforward way to depict track in poor condition. You're best off placing weeds/debris over the right of way (ROW) if you want it to look rundown.

Whilst not highly important, it is recommended to have the track loft match the rail weight and gauge of the line in question. If you're modeling a major corridor, you don't want the track to resemble something from a 2ft gauge branch line. Scalerail (for standard/1435) gauge is reasonable to start with, or even the default Kuju track (this will require one less download for those who don't have the former).

I have not gotten the hang of speed signs yet so can't really help you there to be honest.

Regarding the gradients, these are critical. What I do with the gradient info I have (in .jpeg format) is be sure to have the chart sized so that each km or mile amounts to a power of 2, 4, 8 (or slightly higher) pixels in Irfanview (freeware image manipulation program) etc so that I can tell that say a 1.5 percent gradient goes for a km (when it amounts to 10 pixels when highlighting it in Irfanview). I try to lay the track incrementally in regards to the gradients, and I try to make sure that it is metre perfect. Although this sounds mundane, with a potential for a lack of realism, it gets the job done.

You will inevitably run into problems where you have laid the track seemingly flawlessly, and there is still an unwelcome gap between the track and the terrain. This is the point where you need to extend previous loft sections by say 30 metres when the gradient is downhill, and gradually work your way towards ground level whilst not making a major sacrifice with the realism of the route.

Remember that no matter how good a modeler is, this is only a video game, and nothing is 100% perfect, no matter who modeled it.

If you want more info about track laying, feel free to ask. ALWAYS remember to save your work every couple of minutes or so, and BACK IT UP externally! There is a video here that mentions how to create switches/points https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6LPi_C7umw

[GreatNortherner]

Hi,

in addition to what SAR704 just said: for US prototypes, you can often (though not always) find track charts of the real world railroads of a given line through an online search. Quite often those are PDF scans of official employee documents, and often somebody is putting them up for sale on ebay of the likes. Though you can frequently also find free copies uploaded somewhere, or big collections available on DVD, or even in other sources like public libraries (physical or sometimes even online collections).

It will take some time and effort, but it usually yields very useful data, without which building a prototypical route is much harder (as you've already found out).

Some items you can search for:

Official Track Charts. These usually contain the most useful information, like speed limits, line type, curvatures, gradients, rail and ballast type, sometimes even information about track names and on-line customers. Their contents vary, as does their quality. Historic documents might be easier to find than contemporary ones.

Employee Timetables. These usually contain only little or rough information about the geographic line details, but other useful information such as station data, speed limits, turnout speeds, any special rules for the given subdivision.

Land use data, insurance maps, etc. (one possibility for historic prototypes: "Sanborn maps"). These can be very old, but usually contain highly detailed drawings or the properties, often including detailed information about adjacent structures and owners.

If all research fails, some applied geometry can help. To build "close enough" curves, just follow what you can see on the Google Earth overlays. To calculate reasonably accurate gradients and their locations, look at topographical maps that show high lines. Then look at where the rail line crosses height lines in even intervals and count the height lines, then convert that into the total heigh difference according to the legend. A change in the interval of the height lines means a change in gradient, so you'll have to start a new calculation at this point. Next, measure the approximate length of the track along this stretch (can be tricky due to curves, but try to be accurate), and now you can use both figures to calculate the angle of the gradient, which you can then convert into % to input into the route editor.

Cheers
Michael

[wlenz781]

https://google-developers.appspot.com/maps/documentation/javascript/examples/full/elevation-simple

This website gives you elevation data on any point that you click on. I use it for route building as it allows me to click a point on Google Maps and then using the Google Maps Overlay I can find that point and set my elevation to match. Using two or more points allows you to get a decent idea of the grade in that area.

[Railfan722]

If you're specifically doing the Harlem Line, then there's a website called Multimodalways that has a huge collection of Conrail track charts, along with documents for a bunch of different railroads. The Conrail collection specifically is here: http://www.multimodalways.org/archives/ ... harts.html They have two sets of diagrams - the "Metropolitan Region 1976" set is right at the top, and the 1982 version is a little further down. If you need them, I also own a set of the 1978 charts.

[wlenz781]

If anyone has access to the track data for the A&M (former FRISCO) line that runs from Southwest Missouri to Ft. Smith, AR I would appreciate the help. I have looked online and have not been able to locate it.

[BoostedFridge]

If anyone has access to the track data for the A&M (former FRISCO) line that runs from Southwest Missouri to Ft. Smith, AR I would appreciate the help. I have looked online and have not been able to locate it.

The Frisco.org site has track charts for most of their divisions, but does not have any posted for the Central Division. FOBNR.org only has 1993 track charts, after this line was spun off.

My suggestion would be to ask on the discussion board @ Frisco.org, or to try and find some 1970-1985 BN documentation or records.